E17
Bosch Refrigerator
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error E17 means the freezer compartment NTC temperature sensor has failed or is reading incorrectly. The control board can no longer monitor the actual freezer temperature. This can lead to under-cooling or over-cooling until the sensor is replaced.
Affected Models
- Bosch Serie 6 KGN86AIDR
- Bosch Serie 4 KGN39VXBT
- Bosch French Door B36CT80SNS
- Bosch Counter-Depth B11CB81SSS
- Bosch Serie 8 KGN86AIDP
Common Causes
- Freezer NTC temperature sensor has developed an open or short circuit
- Damaged wiring harness between the sensor and the control board
- Corroded or loose sensor connector at the board
- Control board input channel for the freezer sensor has failed
- Sensor exposed to moisture causing calibration drift or failure
How to Fix It
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Unplug the refrigerator before starting any inspection or repair.
Working with live electrical components inside a refrigerator is dangerous — always disconnect power first.
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Locate the freezer NTC sensor — it is usually clipped to the evaporator coil housing at the back of the freezer compartment.
Consult your model's service manual if you cannot find the sensor; its position varies slightly between Serie 4, 6, and 8 models.
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Disconnect the sensor wiring plug and test the sensor resistance with a multimeter.
A healthy NTC sensor typically reads 5–10 kΩ at room temperature — an open circuit (OL) or dead short (0 Ω) confirms a failed sensor.
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Inspect the wiring harness from the sensor back to the control board for any chafing, pinching, or corrosion.
Even a small nick in the insulation can cause intermittent short circuits that trigger E17 randomly.
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Replace the freezer NTC sensor with a Bosch OEM part matching your model number.
Aftermarket sensors may have incorrect resistance curves — always use the correct OEM part to ensure accurate temperature readings.
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Reconnect power, allow the refrigerator 30 minutes to stabilize, and verify the error has cleared.
If E17 returns within a few hours of sensor replacement, the control board input is likely faulty.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if you have replaced the sensor but E17 persists. If the control board sensor input is faulty, board replacement typically costs $200–$400. If the sensor reads correctly on a multimeter, do not replace it — diagnose the wiring or board instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep food in the freezer while E17 is showing?
Temporarily yes — the freezer may still be cold enough if the fault is recent. Check the temperature with a thermometer; food is safe below 0°F / -18°C. If the freezer is not maintaining temperature, transfer food to another freezer immediately.
How much does a Bosch freezer NTC sensor replacement cost?
The sensor part itself is usually $15–$40 depending on the model. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repair, it is a straightforward DIY fix. A technician call-out will add $80–$150 in labor on top of the part cost.
Can a power surge cause the E17 sensor error?
Yes — voltage spikes can damage the sensitive NTC sensor element or burn the control board input. If E17 appeared right after a power outage or surge, check both the sensor and the board. A surge protector is recommended for all modern refrigerators with electronic controls.